A recent viral video of Met Police trying to control the angry protesters during the anti-lockdown protest that took place in Central London has three words echoing for over several minutes: “Shame on you!” A Muslim female police officer was subjected to online abuse post the online sharing of this video.
Despite a huge police force trying to calm the protesters, some of them continued to hurl at the Met Police officers who were trying their best to control the angry mob as a part of their duty. Among these frontline heroes was a female police officer who was wearing a headscarf and trying to keep the protesters at bay, leading from the front. As her video started to go viral on Twitter, a user by the name of Bonnie Lad tweeted: “The UK 2020...An image from yesterday's anti-lockdown protest in London...Hard to envisage in a time gone by that a police officer would de able to dictate her dress/uniform...Unreal and totally not needed or wanted.” The same user also pointed out further, “Mask or the wearing of one must an exception for this new styled British police officer and her attire…”
A user by the name of @ConstableXL reacted to this racist comment by tweeting: “There were others without masks here, myself included. I stand by the many reasons they were ditched by each officer. Question is, why are you picking on the non-white constable? This is a non-issue. But if you really want to grind an axe, come speak to me.”
Many online users, including police officers and members of the BAME community came out in her support.
Expressing his views on the incident, Chief Supt Raj S Kohli told Asian Voice that, “It is unacceptable for a police officer (or indeed any member of the public) to be subjected to racial abuse no matter what the circumstances. I have seen social media footage of a female colleague who is wearing a Hijab. In an extremely difficult and volatile crowd, she is at the front of the policing line trying to maintain order and help keep her colleagues safe. The negative comments about her faith are disgraceful and completely unacceptable. Quite rightly, any identified offences will be investigated by officers reviewing this incident. As a Sikh man who wears a turban and who has been involved in public order command, I am deeply inspired to see one of our female Muslim officers wearing a Hijab. Her professionalism and desire to support her colleagues while being confronted with hateful comments is remarkable – we’re all extremely proud. For all the negative comments her faith attracted there will be many, many others inspired by her to consider a career in policing”.
Chief Supt Roy Smith, BCU Commander Met Police UK, North West London
“Lots of social media commentary about this officer. Not sure what the fuss is about. I see a professional & brave police officer, my colleague, doing her job just like every other cop that day. A few people need to catch up with modern times. Nothing more to discuss.”
@Jussie_Kaur
“What I also see is a young BAME woman doing her job. I am assuming she is also there to help the community as a police officer something that is needed. I would like to see more BAME women officers and credit to you Roy for supporting her.”
@Nur_Jahan786
“It’s cause a Muslim woman in hijab is not often seen in the police force .. Society doesn’t expect to see this. It shouldn’t be a big deal but sadly it is .. There shouldn’t be any fuss.. She is a professional doing her job.”
@Hemist13
“What a brave young lady !! Admiration for her courage to work as an officer and protect, not to mention the risk she takes of her own life. We should be encouraging all the young people who take the steps to do such a great job.”
